How do I inject Emgality? Step by step guide

Key Points

• Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a self-administered injection that is given under the skin to prevent migraines and treat episodic cluster headaches in adults.
• It comes as single-dose prefilled pens and syringes that can be injected into the stomach, thigh, back of the upper arm, or buttocks.
• The dose depends on why you are using Emgality. It is available as 120 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL injections.
• Before using Emgality, read the “Instructions for Use” that came with the medication and contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions.

Is Emgality available as a pen?

Yes, Emgality comes as single-dose prefilled pens (also known as an autoinjector). However, the Emgality pen is only available in the 120 mg/mL strength. This means you can use it for migraine prevention, but not for episodic cluster headache. The usual dose for episodic cluster headache is 300 mg, so you will need to use three injections of the 100 mg/mL prefilled syringes.

Emgality is available in the following strengths and forms:

• 120 mg/mL single-dose prefilled pen (autoinjector)
• 120 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringe
• 100 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringe

Your healthcare provider can help you figure out which form of Emgality works best for you.

Where to inject Emgality?

You can inject Emgality from the comfort of your home by yourself or with the help of a caregiver. Emgality should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously). The best place to inject Emgality is:

• Stomach (except within 2 inches of the belly button)
• Front of the thigh (at least 2 inches above the knee and 2 inches below the groin)
• Back of the upper arm
• Buttocks

If you are giving the injection to yourself, the stomach and thighs are the easiest places to inject Emgality. If someone else is giving you the injection, they can also inject it into the back of your upper arm or buttocks. These places may be hard for you to reach and safely inject Emgality yourself.

Do not inject Emgality into skin that is red, tender, bruised, or hard. If you are giving yourself multiple injections, make sure to inject in a different place for each injection. For example, if you inject Emgality into your stomach, you can choose a different area on your stomach a few inches away to give your next injection.

Where is the least painful place to inject Emgality?

The most comfortable and least painful place to inject Emgality depends on personal preference. Choose a spot that is not irritated already since injecting in these places could cause injection site reactions to be worse.

It is common to experience pain, swelling, itching, and redness around the injection site after using Emgality no matter which injection site you choose. These side effects are usually mild and should get better within a few days. If they do not get better or seem to be getting worse, call your healthcare provider.

How to inject Emgality

Before using Emgality, read the “Instructions for Use” that came with your syringes or pens. It contains detailed information on how to safely and properly inject Emgality. The manufacturer also provides educational materials on their website. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully on how many pens or syringes of Emgality that you need to inject and when.

Always check the expiration date on the syringe or pen. Do not use the pen or syringe if it looks damaged, the medicine looks cloudy or has small particles, or if it is frozen. The medication inside of the pen and syringe should be colorless to slightly yellow or brown.

Prior to using Emgality, make sure you have the following:

• The Emgality pens or syringes
• Alcohol wipes
• Cotton balls or gauze
• A sharps disposal container

Below you will find step-by-step instructions on how to inject Emgality pens and syringes.

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Using the Emgality prefilled pen

1. Take the number of pens out of the refrigerator that you need and let them warm up to room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting.
2. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
3. Clean the injection site (stomach, thigh, back of upper arm, or buttock) with an alcohol pad and let it air dry.
4. Uncap the Emgality pen and twist off the base cap and throw it away.
5. Place the clear base flat against your skin and turn the lock ring to an “unlock” position.
6. While holding the pen firmly, press the teal injection button and hold for 10 seconds. You should hear a loud click.
7. After 10 seconds, you will hear a second click that means the injection is finished.
8. Remove the pen from your skin.
9. Throw away the used Emgality pen in a sharps disposal container.
10. You can place a cotton ball or gauze over the injection site if you have bleeding, but do not rub.
11. Repeat these steps for any additional Emgality pens to complete your dose.

Using the Emgality prefilled syringe

1. Take the number of syringes out of the refrigerator that you need and let them warm up to room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting.
2. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
3. Clean the injection site (stomach, thigh, back of upper arm, or buttock) with an alcohol pad and let it air dry.
4. Pull off the cap on the Emgality syringe and throw it away.
5. Pinch a fold of skin where you will inject Emgality and insert the needle at a 45-degree angle.
6. Slowly push the plunger all the way into the end of the syringe.
7. Remove the needle and let go of your skin.
8. Throw away the used Emgality syringe in a sharps disposal container.
9. You can place a cotton ball or gauze over the injection site if you have bleeding, but do not rub.
10. Repeat these steps of any additional Emgality syringes to complete your dose.

These are not complete injection instructions and should not replace any directions given to you by your doctor. See the Instructions for Use inside the carton for complete directions on the correct way to prepare and inject Emgality. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

You can also call 1-833-EMGALITY (1-833-364-2548) for further advice.

Bottom Line

Before injecting Emgality, read the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use for the pens or syringes. Your prescriber can give you training on how to use Emgality safely and properly.

You can inject Emgality under the skin on your stomach (except for 2 inches (5 cm) around your belly button) or the front of your thigh. If a caregiver is injecting Emgality for you, they can also inject it into the back of your upper arm or buttock.

When you are ready to inject Emgality, allow it to reach room temperature for 30 minutes. Do not heat it up in a microwave, hot water, or in direct sunlight.

These instructions are abbreviated and do not contain all the information you may need for safe and effective use of Emgality. Review the full Emgality information, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.